Cayenne is a red hot spice that was discovered on the northern coast of South America by a physician sailing with Columbus. It has been used as a pain killer, digestive tonic and flavor enhancer ever since. Cayenne is related to the Bell pepper and the Hot pepper that produce chili powder. The active ingredient is Capsaicin and when it’s applied to the skin it can be a potent pain killer because it hinders the transmission of pain impulses from special nerve endings to the brain. Regular applications of Capsaicin cream or ointment can relieve the pain of arthritis, shingles, diabetic nerve damage and surgical scars.